Marco had met with countless security councils from the pushy Americans to the scheming Russians who had once completely owned his country, but none of them had made him blink. However, his mother, Queen Anna Camilla Aussa, made him tremble like a ten-year-old boy. Dressed in her finest gray and blue gown, her crown centered perfectly on her head, she graced him with a disapproving frown.

She paced the carpet, but her blue eyes glared at him. Her gaze went deep and saw every single one of his many flaws. "Marco, Renee's parents haven't said a word to me. I'm not sure how to help if they don't speak and say what's on their mind."

"Mother, you can be intimidating..." Marco needed to find a way to create a spirit of unity with Renee's parents, starting with changing from his suit into jeans and a t-shirt. Americans much preferred the more casual look.

His mother threw her hands in the air the moment she stopped and stood in front of him. "Renee is a nice girl, and I want you both to be happy. If you want to get her father alone, I'll gladly work on her mother. I think if we each take one family member to talk with, we can negotiate. Antonio and Lucio can both help with her brother."

His temper softened. His mother could negotiate world peace if she was given the opportunity. "Very well. Tonight, I want Renee to see that she has nothing to worry about."

Her gray eyebrows rose. "I don't understand how someone as sweet as Renee came from people who don't speak—they glare. It's mind boggling."

"Renee's lost boyfriends in the past because of her parents—as you know." The buttons at his collar felt too tight. "I don't want her worried, not now."

She shook her head, as if she thought him a child still. "Son, a happy marriage starts with communication and trust. I will help and bring Kristin along as she's met them before."

Marco kept his lips sealed that Renee might be pregnant and it was extra important that she remain calm. "Renee's parents are my first priority and then the wedding."

His mother placed her hand on his cheek, like she had when she needed him to do what she told him. He listened all the time, though he only did what she wanted maybe half of it.

"I'll plan the wedding once I discuss the schedule with the priest today. I want her parents to see their daughter marry my son."

He took her hand off his face and patted it gently when he held her fingers. "Mother, we'll figure it out. I should go and change first."

His mother stilled and motioned toward the door. "Here she comes now. Ensure your bride understands there is nothing to be concerned about."

Renee walked arm-in-arm with Kristin who had made Antonio very happy. The ladies entered on the far side of the room, with no sitting area. Renee bowed her head and curtsied. "Marco, Your Majesty."

Marco left his mother's side immediately and went to stand beside his future bride. He brought her across the expanse of room to a seat. His mother said, "Renee, we are all here for you, no matter what happens."

"Thank you..." She kept her head down and unlinked her arm from Kristin’s to take his. "Your Majesty."

"Call me Anna," his mother reminded her. "There is no need for formalities after the first introduction. Now, I'm going to speak to the church so we can set the date. I very much approve of the dress you chose."

Renee's hands trembled. She looked at him and then dropped her head down again. He reached for her and hoped she'd be less nervous if he was close.

"I need to go see my parents."

"After we talk, you and I," Marco said. It was important she took the pregnancy test too. They had their lives to lead once her parents left.

"Where are they?" she asked.

The long pause of silence echoed through the room. He snapped his head up and stared at his mother, who had to know—she knew everything that went on in the castle. She finally said, "They wanted to walk in the gardens, alone. I'm sure they'll be back soon."

Renee nodded at her. "Please send for me the moment they return."

"Of course," his mother answered.

Renee lifted her head, her mouth tight. She shouldn't be this nervous! He placed his hand on the small of her back and whispered, "Let's go take the test."

Renee squeezed his hand.

His mother motioned for Kristin to join her and took her arm. "We are all working to make certain you are happy, Renee."

Renee glanced at him and then back at his mother. "Thank you, Anna."

The idea of Renee pregnant with his son or daughter kept popping up in his mind. Renee with little Maria yesterday had practically glowed with kindness and she’d been so sweet in accepting the doll. She’d make a wonderful mother and she was even prettier now than the day he met her.

His mother adjusted her crown and acted like she’d take it off her head, which he knew she'd never do. "You must ignore the crown," she told Kristin and Renee. "We are family. We will work on this together, so stay strong."

If Renee was pregnant, he'd ensure she had no troubles, ever.

Her head dipped. "Yes, Anna."

Finally. Renee calling his mother by name twice now showed promised.

"I should go and assist my husband who is holding court on his own. Come with me, Kristin?"

He waited for his mother and Kristin to leave, and dropped his hand from her back "Let's go. We don't have a lot of time."

Renee’s shoulders relaxed. "Is everything in your room?"

The doctor was the best way. "Everything will be there in two minutes, including your clothes."

Her eyes widened. "I hadn't even thought about..."

"I'm not sleeping without you," he interrupted her. "Hold onto my arm while we climb the steps."

"I can handle walking on my own. I feel fine." She stayed next to him, but didn’t hold on as he instructed. "Marco..."

"If you are pregnant, I'll want to protect you." He turned toward the door. "Actually I want to do that regardless of the test."

She stopped walking. "Wait." He turned around and she continued, "I love you. I'm going to start focusing on the wedding and what makes us happy."

"Good." He helped her climb the stairs again.

She kept her hand linked to him. He'd get her a ring he bought himself, today, and not just one of his mother's heirlooms that she'd require for show while she discussed some ancient king of Persia to a group of tourists.

He had a clear plan now and he'd keep his intentions, as he always did.

Their futures all depended on how he won over her parents. He'd not let her down.